My Dad was a big jazz fan so I was always listening to all the great Big Band drummers like Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and Sonny Payne. I just started tapping along on the sofa with wooden spoons! At 17, I was the youngest professional resident/house drummer at one of the biggest clubs in the area. I moved to Germany in 1988 and recorded and toured for many major and independent record labels as a session player. I was mostly self-taught using hand technique books like Stick control/Master Studies etc. but I met the great Gary Chaffee in 1989 and really started to get my technique and reading together using his "Patterns" system. I played with Steeler, Zed Yago, Universe, Velvet Viper, Uli Jon Roth, Jack Bruce, Don Airey, John Parr and many more. Moved back to England and work as a specialist drum tutor for the local education authority and in private schools delivering a range of workshops and one-to-one lessons. I Still play live and record when I get the chance.
Franco Zuccaroli
Independent
Franco
Zuccaroli
IN 3
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Most memorable Next-Level Performance
Improvising live on air with Uli Jon Roth, Don Airey and Francois Garney at the International Guitar Festival back in 2003. There was a special moment where the music played us instead of the other way around. It was an almost spiritual experience. -
What Drives Your Creativity?
Listening to Alan Holdsworth with all his amazing musicians keeps my feet on the ground and inspires me to try to be a better musician. -
Why do you choose Vic Firth?
I think the Classic 5A wood tip stick is my favourite Vic Firth product. You can play any style of music with that stick from light as a whisper to full-on rock. I always have some of these with me wherever I go, be it teaching, studio or concert.
BEHIND THE KIT
